Heritage Harbour's CARING NETWORK is an ALL-VOLUNTEER group called "Networkers" serving within each of our neighborhoods.
It is an entirely independent group that is not an adjunct of the Heritage Harbour Health Group, but works in cooperation with it by providing free volunteer services augmenting the work of the professional Health Group office staff. In return, the Health Group provides the NETWORK with a desk and telephone service in its office.
During difficult periods faced by residents (accident, illness, bereavement), Networker volunteers are available to provide a variety of supportive services. These might include transportation to doctors, shopping for food or prescriptions, locating convalescent aids (some on loan from the office), caring for pets, arranging for meals, and much more - whatever a friendly neighbor can do.
Important information on health care services and educational materials are collected by CARING NETWORK and placed on a special shelf in the community library for residents to explore.
Several times a year, the NETWORK sponsors outstanding speakers on health-related issues for the benefit of the entire community. Periodically, CARING NETWORK holds symposia dedicated to topics on the physical and mental well-being of residents.
New programs have recently been added to CARING NETWORK's activities.
- A telephone reassurance program "Safety Line" -- benefits those who live alone and wish to make or receive a daily phone call. If no contact is made, a designated neighbor is called to check up. If all is not well, further steps are pursued.
- Networkers serve on the Welcoming Committee, which disseminates important information to new residents.
- Some respite care is also offered, allowing a caregiver a chance to leave for a while, to shop or see friends, while a Networker visits with a homebound patient, perhaps watching TV, playing cards or just chatting, but no actual hands-on care.
The Network/Health Group office is in the Heritage Harbour Health Group. Here, or at Networkers' homes, residents may call upon the CARING NETWORK for assistance and support whether or not they are members or the Health Group.
There is no charge whatever involved for such service. Over 100 residents are members of the Network, which means that they are committed to helping wherever they can when called upon
The CARING NETWORK's aim is to have one or more Networkers in each neighborhood. While this is not always possible, help can always be obtained by calling the CARING NETWORK desk in the Health Group office. Because no one wants to intrude, Networkers hesitate to offer help, but hope residents will not hesitate to request help should it be needed.
This large group of good people is just more proof of what a special place Heritage Harbour is; and if their help can ease a troubled time, then the good life here is even better.
If you would like to be part of CARING NETWORK, just come to one of the monthly meetings: the third Monday of each month, 2:00 p.m. in the Lodge. No dues, no formality, just good fellowship and good will. You will receive a friendly greeting and a warm welcome from new friends.
The CARING NETWORK is organized with leaders called Coordinators, and the following committees: Transportation, Hospitality, Library, Medical Aids, Telephone, Office Volunteers, Safety Line, and Respite Care.
For Assistance or to Volunteer call 410-224-5683